GOVERNOR JIM GIBBONS today [April 23, 2007] toured the only State Veterans Home in Nevada. During the tour, Governor Gibbons discussed with administrators and staff how the $3.2 million included in his budget for the Nevada State Veterans Home will improve their ability to provide medical services to many of Nevada's veterans.

"The Nevada State Veterans Home provides our veterans and their family members with exceptional health care in an environment that allows them to feel more at home and less like a patient. This veterans' home is an important part of our efforts to give back to those who served our country and I am very impressed with the quality of care that is being provided here today," said Governor Gibbons, a veteran of both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars.

The Nevada State Veterans Home encompasses 82,000 square feet and is capable of accommodating 180 residents. The Veterans Home also includes a special facility for those suffering from Alzheimer's or other dementia-related illnesses. In addition to medically related services, the Veterans Home provides residents with a variety of programs and services designed to enhance the overall quality of their day-to-day lives, such as Home-sponsored outings and a number of on-site and off-site activities. Residents also have access to a full range of amenities which allow them to maintain an independent lifestyle while still receiving services from the Veterans Home.

Governor Gibbons included $3.4 million in his budget to address the growing needs of the Office of Veterans Services, as well as an additional $3.2 million for the Nevada State Veterans Home.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 300,000 veterans currently reside in Nevada, and this number is expected to continue growing at a steady rate. "As we continue fighting the Global War on Terror, we welcome home a new generation of veterans," Gibbons added. "We must be able to accommodate our growing veterans' population, which is why I included $3.4 million in my budget for the Office of Veterans Services."

For further information on the many services provided by the Nevada State Veterans Home click here.

Nevada State Veterans Home Director Gary Bermeosolo discusses
the features of the physical therapy room with Governor Gibbons.